Euphoria Sessions

Euphoria Sessions ~ April 2014

One of my favorite quotes from Martha Graham is:

“There is a vitality, a life force, an energy, a quickening that is translated through you into action, and because there is only one of you in all of time, this expression is unique. And if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium and it will be lost. The world will not have it. It is not your business to determine how good it is nor how valuable nor how it compares with other expressions. It is your business to keep it yours clearly and directly, to keep the channel open.”

It is with this sentiment that I went into the studio, with my partner Paul Evans, to record the raw unfolding of moments of movement… Some of it is “belly dance” some of it speaks to my connection/training in “contemporary dance.” Call it what you will… Another Graham quote I love is:

”The world I’m interested in is the one where things are not named.”

This is pure improv. Just Paul and I attempting to make magic from thin air -get it, he’s a flut/sax player- or perhaps you can see it as us navigating the thick forests, mountains, and valleys of our imaginations. Often we went into the studio with no idea whatsoever, we spurred each other with a word, a phrase, a spark of an idea, a note, a twitch, a glance, then pressed record. We brought a couple changes of clothes, fresh minds, and prepared bodies…. that’s all. Minimal make-up, fancy lighting, multi-shots. Hiding nothing.

I think it’s important as artists to share our process, and to document our work. Especially as dancers, where our main outlet for presentation is mostly ephemeral: live performance.

I truly hope you enjoy our studio sessions, and that perhaps it inspires some dancers/artists to present their work in a similar format. Raw, as they are today. And to keep the improvisatory spirit alive!

Everything was filmed at Euphoria studio in Portland, Oregon. There are about 14 videos total, we’ll try posting one about every month or so, so visit back regularly for updates. ❤